Authorities report that a low-key Republican primary on Long Island turned scandalous just a day before the voting was set to start. This was triggered by the arrest of the daughter’s boyfriend of Smithtown manager Ed Welheim, who allegedly terrorized his political opponent during odd late-night visits.
Joshua Smith, 47, who is in a relationship with Kelly Anne Welheim, was taken into custody Monday night. He faces charges of stalking Suffolk County legislator Rob Trotta, who is challenging Welheim in the upcoming election, as noted on his social media.
According to Suffolk County police and local officials, Smith had visited Trotta’s driveway three nights in a row beginning June 16, revving his truck and making loud noises.
“One night, I was in bed, and suddenly it sounded like thunder,” Trotta recounted. “I looked out the window but could hardly see until they drove away.”
Trotta stated that Smith would arrive late at night in an old Chevrolet pickup, getting out to vandalize his campaign signs by cutting them or putting up others.
Concerns about safety were heightened for Trotta and his family following the recent murders of two state legislators in Minnesota. “I was more worried about the safety of my wife and kids than anything else,” he mentioned regarding the harassment.
Trotta reached out to the Suffolk Police Department after several incidents, resulting in the installation of a license plate reader outside his home.
The following night, Smith returned, drawing attention to his vehicle’s plate, which led to an officer tracking him down, according to local representatives.
Smith was arrested but not formally charged until the subsequent Monday after an investigation was completed.
This incident came just before ballots were to be cast in a primary that will decide the Republican candidates for the Smithtown supervisor election, where Trotta aims to unseat Welheim, who has held the position for more than seven years.
Prior to the arrest, Welheim’s campaign had dismissed claims of Smith’s involvement in any wrongdoing while decrying political harassment. They maintained that their focus was on highlighting their record rather than distractions.
A spokesperson for Welheim emphasized that “the campaign is concentrated on the solid achievements made over the last seven and a half years.” After the arrest, there was no response from Welheim’s campaign for further comments.
